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News note

Escalating violence in the Gaza Strip and Israel threatens devastating harm for children - UNICEF

NEW YORK, 10 July 2014 – The escalating violence in Gaza and Israel threatens devastating harm for children on all sides, UNICEF said today, urging restraint to protect all children.

Already over the last three days, at least 19 Palestinian children have been reported killed in airstrikes on Gaza and many more injured. The coastal enclave is under closure, making it difficult for civilians to flee. In Israel, rocket attacks from Gaza threaten the lives of Israeli children as well.

Both airstrikes and rocket attacks are putting children at risk, leaving them exposed to physical harm and mental distress; many already experienced violence and destruction during previous escalations.

UNICEF reiterates the UN Secretary-General's call on parties to exercise maximum restraint, and reminds them of their legal and moral obligation to protect children from harm.

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